A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Avignon vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Avignon or Cinque Terre?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Avignon and Cinque Terre. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Avignon

Avignon is a picturesque, historical, and quaint town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a stunning, traditional, and charming coastal region. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Avignon and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Avignon or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Avignon and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Cinque Terre has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cinque Terre is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Avignon attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Avignon and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Avignon is famous for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Avignon different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cinque Terre and Avignon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Avignon or Cinque Terre?

Avignon is renowned for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Avignon has many famous sights for visitors. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Avignon or Cinque Terre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at world-class restaurants in both Avignon and Cinque Terre.

Eat your way through Avignon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

For foodies, Cinque Terre is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

Is Avignon or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Avignon is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Avignon. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Avignon or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Avignon is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Cinque Terre offers a few options. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Avignon is not a resort destination.

Is Avignon or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Avignon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Avignon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Avignon or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for the beach. However, Avignon is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre offers a nice beach destination. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Avignon is not a beach destination.

Is Avignon or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the world-class old town areas in both Avignon and Cinque Terre.

The old town of Avignon is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Cinque Terre offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Is Avignon or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Avignon is not a hiking destination.

Cinque Terre is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Avignon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Avignon or Cinque Terre?

Avignon is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Avignon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Avignon or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Both Avignon and Cinque Terre are nice family-friendly destinations.

Avignon is a family-friendly town. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Avignon or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is renowned for couples. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cinque Terre is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

Couples visit Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Avignon or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Avignon and Cinque Terre are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cinque Terre. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Avignon or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Avignon and Cinque Terre.

Avignon has some public transit options. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Avignon or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Avignon and Cinque Terre are world-class when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Avignon. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Getting around Cinque Terre on foot is easy. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Avignon Worth Visiting? and Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Avignon?

How long in Avignon or Cinque Terre?

In either Avignon or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Avignon because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Avignon, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Avignon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cinque Terre, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Avignon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cinque Terre that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Avignon or Cinque Terre?

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Cinque Terre, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Avignon or Cinque Terre?

Avignon is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Cinque Terre, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer.

Five days in Avignon or Cinque Terre?

Avignon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Avignon or Cinque Terre?

Avignon is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting Cinque Terre. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Avignon and Cinque Terre, we can see that Avignon is more expensive. And not only is Cinque Terre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cinque Terre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cinque Terre and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon than you might in Cinque Terre.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Avignon Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Avignon or Cinque Terre?

Avignon has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Avignon and Cinque Terre, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Avignon or Cinque Terre?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Avignon or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Avignon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Avignon in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Avignon is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Avignon averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. Avignon usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Avignon gets 354 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Avignon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cinque Terre. Avignon gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Avignon or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Avignon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Avignon for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Avignon is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Avignon in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Avignon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Avignon gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Avignon. Avignon usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Avignon gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Avignon or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Avignon and Cinque Terre. The winter months attract visitors to Avignon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In January, Avignon is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Avignon average around 7°C (44°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Avignon usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Avignon gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Avignon usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Avignon gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Avignon or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Avignon as well as Cinque Terre. The small town charm are the main draw to Avignon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Avignon is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Avignon averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. In the spring, Avignon often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Avignon gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Avignon gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Avignon